How to Hard Reset the Google Pixel 3 XL

The Google Pixel XL 3 is officially out so it’s time for you to learn the basic Android operations that can be applied on this new Google branded handset. And, in that respect, today we decided to talk about the hard reset process, which is one of the most important operations that can be completed without hassle on the Android system. Shortly, below we will detail two different methods that can take you through a full wipe process, everything being compatible with the new Google Pixel XL 3.

As usual, the actual tutorial will contain the actual hard reset steps along with other essential info: the reasons why a full wipe should be considered in the first place, the risks that might be implied when a factory reset is initiated and the essential pre-requisites that must be applied first. Thus, before heading towards the actual factory reset steps, don’t hesitate and read all the lines from this step by step guide made especially for your Google Pixel XL 3.

Completing a hard reset on your Google Pixel XL 3 is totally safe and secured as this process is officially supported by your OEM. Moreover, the factory reset functionality is pre-loaded within the Android core system which means that you have nothing to worry about – you won’t lose your phone’s warranty while resuming the guidelines from below and you don’t have to use third party apps or risky and complex programs during the hard reset steps.

But, keep in mind one thing: the hard reset is a full wipe operation meaning that everything that isn’t there by default will be erased from your Google Pixel XL 3. Thus, we can say that this process can help you partially restore your device back to default state – in the end you can use only bloatware and built-in apps, features and capabilities. Therefore, this is a great opportunity for refreshing the Android system, for bumping speeds (if the overall Android experience got slowed down recently) or for ensuring a clean storage memory.

Additionally, the factory reset can help you get rid of malicious apps, inappropriate tools, of programs that aren’t useful anymore and even of malware and unresponsive processes. So, by using this tutorial you can apply dedicated troubleshooting solutions that can help you fix the most common Android software related issues – in a few words, you can now unbrick a soft bricked Google Pixel XL 3 as the hard reset can help you address issues such as boot loops, lags, hangs, screen freeze errors, battery drain problems, signal strength malfunctions or even total blackouts.

The steps explained below will work even if your smartphone was recently tweaked. Thus, the two hard reset methods explained in this guide can be used even on rooted systems, on custom ROMs, on custom recovery images or on unlocked bootloaders.

But, you shouldn’t forget to make a backup first. As already outlined, this is a full wipe which will erase stuffs like contacts, call logs, texts, images, videos, audio files, market apps, internet settings, calendar info, saved passwords, EFS folder, IMEI / NVRAM data or other similar packages. You need to secure your personal data, info, accounts and files before doing anything else and on the Google Pixel XL 3 you can do that in different ways: you can use an external storage device, you can sync files with your Google account, you can use built-in cloud storage services or you can go to Google Play and set up already tested backup and restore tools.

Charging your device might also be required in some situations – basically you should plug in the charger before starting the hard reset operation if the power left is currently lower than 50%. If you choose to ignore this recommendation your Pixel XL 3 can get switched off right in the middle of the factory reset. Unfortunately if a sudden shut down occurs, you can end up in soft-bricking your Android device – malfunctions can be caused within the Android core system that powers your Google branded handset.

Optional: for ensuring a full wipe also choose to select these options: ‘wipe cache partition’ followed by ‘wipe dalvik cache’.

When done, return to main menu of recovery and reboot to Android mode by picking ‘reboot system now’.

Method 2 – use built-in settings

Power on your smartphone.

Navigate towards Settings menu.

There, switch to System settings tab.

Head towards Restart options and select the Erase all data entry.

Agree by taping on Reset Phone and confirm by choosing Erase Everything.

Wait while the factory reset operation is completed.

Reboot your handset in the end.

And with that last step our hard reset tutorial is completed and so it’s your wiping initiative. Hopefully now you know how to factory reset the Google Pixel XL 3 in order to refresh its Android UI and your overall Android daily experience. You can tell us how things worked for you through the comments field that’s available below. If problems were experienced don’t hesitate and tell us what went wrong so that we can find the perfect troubleshooting solutions for your problems. If you want to learn other similar Android basic operations compatible with your Google branded smartphone, or if you want to learn how to customize, optimize, personalize and tweak your device stay close to us and also search through our dedicated ‘how to’ page. Enjoy.